Former owner of Freeport Oil works succumbs at age 58. John Hartman aged 58 years and formerly a well known resident of Freeport and Stephenson County. passed away at his home in St. Paul, Minn about 1 o'clock this morning, according to word received here by relatives today. Mr. Hartman had been ailing for the past several weeks. He was well known here, having established the Hartman Oil works located on the Cedarville Road north of Freeport 27 yrs ago. Mr. Hartman retired from active business about eight years ago and moved to Freeport residing on South Chicago Avenue. Later he moved to California with his wife and daughter, Vera, and they established a home in Huntington Park, near Los Angeles. They then traveled for two years and about one year ago located at St. Paul. Mr. Hartman was born in Freeport 58 years ago. He was united in marriage to Maryetta Baker 39 years ago. Before establishing the oil works Mr. Hartman was employed by the Bartlett Hardware company in this city. He is survived by his widow and the following children; George Hartman, who conducts the oil works on the Cedarville Road, Mrs William Black, residing in South Dakota, Earl Hartman, St. Paul, Minn; Miss Vera Hartman, residing with her parents. The following brothers and sisters also survive. Francis Hartman, Breman, Iowa; Mrs. Charles Popp, Freeport.The remains will be brought to Freeport for the burial the exact time of the funeral having not been arranged. He is buried in Oakland cemetery.Freeport Journal Standard-Aug 12, 1925 pg 6. Submitted by: Dem Bones on 17 July 2002